Multimodal transportation options, wildlife disruption, carbon impacts and the effect on congestion relief were just some of the topics brought forth last week in an eight-hour Flagstaff City Council work session to discuss the Lone Tree-Butler Intersection design, part of the Lone Tree Overpass project.
Jason Carlaftes, structures team manager of engineering firm WSP USA, reported on the overall improvement proposal, including separated sidewalks and bike lanes, noting that new roadway and bike lines miles are roughly equal. He also reported the project would cause only marginal initial increases to the Vehicle Miles Traveled rating for the area, which could ultimately decrease as road connectivity improves. Lastly, the report showed a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of shortened idling times and increased speed.
Project Manager Christine Cameron pointed out the overpass project cost estimates have risen from $73M a few months ago to $90M-$100M today. She stressed that land acquisition and construction materials costs were likely to keep rising.
Some residents expressed frustration at the overpass project’s long timeline, noting it has been under discussion for more than 20 years.
Others, however, raised concerns and objections to the current plans and called for more discussion and revision. Among the concerns was what some perceive as a still too little emphasis on walking and bike lanes, disputes over the relative impact of the project’s potential contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, reminders about the City’s Carbon Neutrality Plan, and concerns that prairie dogs inhabiting the area would be disturbed.
In efforts to find a middle ground, City Engineer Rick Barrett discussed a possible pedestrian cycle bridge or underpass, which would cost approximately $2.5M. Other officials disputed the value of the compromise suggestion as a poor solution.
Councilmembers ultimately directed staff to look into refining the design to include five lanes on each leg with protection for bike and pedestrian travel and to look into a north/south bike/pedestrian bridge over Butler Avenue. (Source)
